Taking the Hood Off

The author who gave us Slaves in the Family now turns his attention to his family's "klan" history. Although white supremecist groups went by other names then and now, I think we all associate "KKK" with the hate groups associated with lynchings, burning crosses, and their dress-up clothes, the iconic and cowardly white hood. The author estimates that eighty million of us living here in the U.S. have at least one ancestor in the Klan, and my great grandfather's membership in that dubious organization definitely puts me in that camp. I understand Mr. Ball's need to plumb that family tree and explore what would make his ancestor feel such hatred for a whole group of people. And although they wore the hoods, and did atrocious things by twisting logic and faith around to the breaking point, has anything really changed? Or are they just not wearing costumes anymore?